Unique Custom Collectors Boxed Set of Two Knives and an Axe by American Knife Maker R.B. c1980
Here on offer is a unique custom made collectors boxed set, of two knives and an axe, that were made by an American knife maker with the initials R.B. circa 1980.
I bought this new custom made set, at a knife show in the USA on one of my visits, back in the early 1980’s.
Sadly, can’t remember or find any documents that can identify who the knife maker is?
The set consists of three handmade pieces, a beautifully made American style throwing axe.
The axe head looks to have been made from a good quality steel and retains a polished bright finish and sharp 3.5” curved cutting edge. One of the faces of the blade has been stamped with the number “3”.
The slightly curved wooden handle that may have been made from a hickory wood, displays some nice graining to the finish. It has been securely fitted to the steel axe head and has a copper collar that is nailed in place with bright nickel pins and has also been stamped with the maker’s initials, R.B.
At the end of the handle, it has a copper end plate and rectangular name plate, stamped R.B. that are also held in place with bright nickel pins. There is also a handmade leather wrist lanyard, fitted through a hole with brass eyelets.
I think it would also make a great throwing axe, but I wouldn’t risk damaging such a rare piece!
The handle measures 12” (30.5cm) long and the blade is 6.2” (15.6cm) wide with a 3.5” (8.8cm) curved cutting edge.
Next in the set is a fine example of a bowie knife with a beautiful and heavy 6” steel clip-point blade, with a sharp 5.5” cutting edge.
The oval shaped crossguard is made from polished solid brass and fits securely to the grip.
The grip is interesting and seems to have been made from two smoothed and polished pale coloured antler plates, possibly from an Elk. The plates fit perfectly together and are fitted to the blade tang with two rivets/pins that have been topped with the ends of .22 calibre brass shell cases.
The pommel is made from a flat section of brass that is also held in place with the top of a .22 brass shell case.
The whole knife measures 10.2” (25.7cm) long and has a 6” blade.
The final knife in the set, has a 6.5” dagger shaped, single edged, polished steel blade. The top edge has a small section that is notched.
The oval crossguard is made from polished brass and fits against a notched copper alloy ferrule.
The grip is made from a single piece of smoothed and polished pale coloured Elk antler, that has a small blank shield shaped cartouche, set into it on the front.
The pommel is made from a circular brass disc, pinned in place with four nickel pins and in the centre is fitted with the end of a 357 calibre shell case.
The whole knife measures 10.5” (26.7cm) long and has a 6.5” blade.
The case appears to be an old walnut cutlery case, that has been modified to allow the three pieces to fit into shaped recesses inside, what is now a blue velvet lined interior. A push stud strap has been fitted to the front to keep the case securely closed.
The whole set in the case weighs a heavy 2.8Kg, so postage will have to reflect the total weight.
All the pieces are in excellent condition and this set is unique and makes a great addition to any knife/axe collection.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.
The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.
Thank you for taking the time to look.
Code: 51750